In 2020, the global online gambling industry is estimated to be worth $66.7 billion, according to German research company Statista. By 2023, that number is projected to reach $92.9 billion. If gambling companies plan to take advantage of such rapid growth and conquer new market segments, their products should undoubtedly keep up with emerging trends in the industry. Determining which trends are really necessary and will become an integral part of the online gambling industry for a long time is difficult. A cursory look at the gambling industry can lead one to believe that innovations such as VR and blockchain could dramatically change the industry shortly. While their potential is undeniable, the real picture looks more complicated. Moreover, in believing that trends should be “hype” or super-tech, many industry experts overlook the more familiar and mundane things that matter. Secure gambling may not sound as interesting as cryptocurrencies, but in practice, it is the one that is much more relevant.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Ten years ago, most players were happy that online gambling even existed. Since then, however, expectations of the industry have increased significantly, as has the quality of mobile casino and betting apps. Facebook/Meta’s announcement of Metaverse has brought even more attention to VR/AR and continues to encourage more immersive gaming. Some casinos, such as Aussie casino online, already offer VR products. Many of the virtual reality features, such as gesture simulation, 3D avatars, and live interaction, mean that online poker now feels much more like a real game. Nevertheless, the barrier to entry into VR/AR is high, as customers need expensive headsets to take advantage of these features. For the aforementioned reason, VR/AR remains a slow-growing trend in online gambling.
Plot Slots
Slot machines resemble blockbusters, offering complex narratives and characters that place players at the center of the action. Modern technology and Internet connectivity allow slot machine enthusiasts to access these stories at any time. The industry has yet to harness the power of storytelling fully. That’s why we expect to see more narrative-driven releases in 2023. As more and more players look for interactive and social features in their games, the popularity of narrative-driven arcades will grow. These games push the boundaries, providing the next level of interaction. This is a powerful combination that can make the online casino industry the preferred entertainment option for customers around the world.
Smart devices
Smartwatches are gaining in popularity as assistants for various purposes, whether tracking physical fitness, messaging, or gaming. They are also becoming increasingly powerful in terms of hardware. It is therefore not surprising that this new class of devices is increasingly being used in the gambling industry: many leading providers are already offering smartwatch slot versions. The benefits for gambling operators are obvious. Being with a person almost constantly, smartwatches are in his field of vision, which means that the probability that the user will play gambling in different life situations (such as standing in a line) becomes higher. The design of modern smart devices also makes the gambling process more convenient than on cell phones, as players see only the necessary information for the game, without getting distracted by a large variety of additional switches.
On the other hand, gambling apps on smart devices are a niche product, and users are still more likely to visit online casinos and betting sites from their desktops or phones. In addition, with so many gadget manufacturers’ operating systems other than watchOS and WearOS, it is difficult for gambling operators to develop solutions for all alternatives.
Updating the existing gameplay
New generations don’t like traditional slot machines and casino games. That’s why providers will have to offer an experience that includes not only gambling but also communication and skills. Best online casinos, such as PayID casino are finding new ways to keep their players coming back again and again. The best way to do this is to use stimulating gamification features. It includes tournaments, challenges, and collecting points.
The online gambling experience should be smooth and seamless, with no lengthy registration process and instant withdrawals. Comfortable navigation and a responsive user interface will also help improve the overall experience.
Challenging Game Tests
Advances in technology are key to improving independent agency testing and verification services. It is the key to a faster and easier certification process for software vendors, as well as a fairer and safer user experience.
Predictable Impact:
- Improved control of casino game fairness and randomness of results;
- Improved game quality and user experience;
Advanced Game Testing Agencies
The latest technological developments will undoubtedly have a significant role to play in independent testing agencies’ growth. On the other hand, it will be a major factor that will affect the casino industry. For example, take RNG, also known as random number generation. This is the technology that underlies the results of every casino game. Once you spin the reels, the result depends on the game’s RNG number. To calculate this number, independent testing agencies need to see the results of thousands and thousands of spins, just to calculate the first number after zero.
The math gets even more complicated if a game development studio wants, for example, to have a second number after zero for a new video slot. These gaming trends would provide a safer and more honest user experience. It would also significantly upgrade slots, which would have more advanced computational capabilities, better video graphics, sound effects, etc. games.
A great experience even with a weak internet connection
This is a real challenge, but if the producers do it, they can be sure that the number of active players will increase. Among players, games that work great even with a weak Internet connection are more popular than those that consume a lot of megabytes and slow down the device. Lighter versions of apps are always welcomed by a wide audience.
Сonclusion
These are the current trends, but as things change daily, there is undoubtedly more to come, and casino providers must embrace and accept them. Online gambling is already one huge trend because people don’t have to spend time and money to visit some of the popular establishments and have unnecessary interaction with the rest of the dealers and players. This market has a great future, but only if the right tools and technology are applied.
